Biographical Note:

Margaret Afflis Johnston was born in 1907. She was active in community projects and known nationally in Democratic circles for her lifelong work with the party. Johnston’s political career included: the Deer Creek Township Trustee, Delphi, Carroll County (1930-1934); Carroll County Democratic Party Vice-Chairman (1930-1938); Second Congressional District Vice-Chairman (1932-1941); Democratic candidate for Congress opposing Rep. Charles Halleck (1946); State Probation Director (1941-1945, 1949-1953); member of the Indiana Women’s Prison Parole Board (1954-1967); Indiana Democratic National Committeewoman (1960-1964); president of the Indiana Women’s Democratic Club (1965-1967). She was the first woman to manage a license branch in Carroll County and organized the Psi Iota Xi Sorority in Delphi. Johnston was twice married, first with Delphi druggist William A. Afflis (1945) and then with Leroy O. Johnston (1951) of Indianapolis. Johnston is also the mother of the professional wrestler William “Dick the Bruiser” Afflis. Johnston died on April 17, 1967 from a heart attack at the age of 60.

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Manuscript materials CANNOT be photocopied or digitized in their entirety. Photocopies and/or digital images cannot exceed 25% of a collection or a folder within a collection. In some cases, photocopying may not be permitted due to the condition of the item. Check with a Manuscript Librarian for other options.